Lights Out (2011 TV series)

Lights Out
Industry	Television
Founded	January 11, 2011; 15 years ago
Fate	Cancelled
Headquarters	United States
Products	Television series

Lights Out is a drama series centered on boxing from the United States that was broadcast on the FX network. The show features Holt McCallany portraying Patrick "Lights" Leary, a former heavyweight boxing champion from New Jersey who is considering returning to the ring. It debuted on January 11, 2011, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. FX discontinued the series on March 24, 2011, with its concluding episode airing on April 5.

Plot synopsis

The storyline follows Patrick "Lights" Leary, a retired former world heavyweight champion confronting the challenge of redefining his identity after leaving boxing behind. He has been diagnosed with pugilistic dementia, a neurological condition frequently seen in boxers, which causes memory impairment and persistent headaches. After his brother and business manager mishandles his financial affairs, Lights is compelled to find means to provide for his wife and their three daughters residing in Bayonne, New Jersey. Facing limited alternatives, he contemplates either taking a job as a debt collector for a local crime figure or endangering his health by attempting a high-stakes comeback for substantial financial gain.

Cast

Holt McCallany as Patrick "Lights" Leary
Pablo Schreiber as Johnny Leary
Catherine McCormack as Theresa Leary
Stacy Keach as Robert "Pops" Leary
Meredith Hagner as Ava Leary
Ryann Shane as Daniella Leary
Lily Pilblad as Katherine Leary
Billy Brown as Richard "Death Row" Reynolds
Elizabeth Marvel as Margaret Leary
Bill Irwin as Hal Brennan
Reg E. Cathey as Barry K. Word
Eamonn Walker as Ed Romeo

Reception

The series Lights Out was met with generally favorable critiques from television reviewers. On Metacritic, it holds a score of 79% based on 25 critic assessments, signifying "Generally favorable reviews." Matt Roush of TV Guide commended the program for its grounded realism and McCallany's portrayal imbued with "weary dignity," describing it as a success despite difficulties in maintaining audience numbers. The New York Times underscored the drama’s emphasis on violence and labeled it an ambitious narrative. Brian Lowry from Variety remarked that while not an outright knockout, the compelling lead performance combined with a strong supporting ensemble rendered it a clear points victory. James Poniewozik of Time praised its captivating storytelling that encouraged continuous viewing. Matthew Gilbert of The Boston Globe highlighted the engaging plot and robust acting that elevated it beyond conventional boxing drama tropes. Dorothy Rabinowitz from The Wall Street Journal described it as a skillfully crafted fighter’s tale worthy of attention. Ed Bark of Uncle Barky noted some typical genre clichés but regarded it among the season’s finest dramas.

The premiere episode drew 1.5 million viewers, including 793,000 within the key 18-49 age bracket. Nonetheless, ratings declined over time, averaging 863,000 per installment. FX opted to cancel Lights Out after one season on March 24.

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